Periodontal ligament

Definition

The periodontal ligament is a specialized connective tissue that securely attaches the tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone within the jaw. It acts as a shock absorber during chewing, protecting the tooth from excessive forces.

Related terms

Fibrous Joints:

These are joints connected by dense connective tissue containing many collagen fibers, offering little to no movement.

Alveolar bone: The part of the jawbone that houses and supports the tooth sockets (alveoli), providing stability for teeth.

Connective Tissue:

A type of body tissue that supports, connects, or separates different types of tissues and organs in the body, consisting of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix